Tentative 2019 dates for Ramadan in Dubai revealed

Predictions are in for when Ramadan is likely to start in the UAE.

When the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee officially sees the hilal crescent moon, this decides the exact dates of the Holy Month.

However, after careful consultation of lunar cycles, experts from the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences have proposed dates for both Ramadan and the month of Shawaal, which marks Eid Al Fitr.

Sharjah Observatory predicts that the Holy Month of Ramadan is likely to begin on Monday, 6th May and Shawaal is expected to start on Wednesday, 5th June.

Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar and is marked by fasting from dawn to dusk, spirituality and acts of charity.

Even for those who aren’t fasting, Dubai’s pace of life changes during Holy Month. Working hours during Ramadan have not been confirmed, but UAE labour law says they should reduce by at least two hours per day in the private sector. Public sector workers traditionally start at 9am and finish at 2pm. Children will still attend school, but timings are also be curtailed.

If you’re unfamiliar with expected and respectful behaviours during the Holy month, we have an etiquette guide that might be useful.